There's still time! You'll love the Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery's selection of hand-crafted jewelry and jewelry boxes for Valentine's Day! And, if Valentine's Day wasn't enough, Brattleboro is kicking off the President's Day Weekend with two days of world-class ski jumping and the start of the Brattleboro Winter Carnival, to boot!

____________________________________________________

This Month's Exhibition

Featured Artists

This month, in addition to featuring the portraits of Juan Jr. Ramirez, Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery focuses on paintings by a variety of artists including Deborah Lazar, Carol Gobin, Paul Stone, Jeanette Staley, Jim Murphy and Dane Tilghman and several High Street Painters.

And, you may order something special from our website, www.vtart.com, for any special occasion. We'll be adding new items daily.

57th Brattleboro Winter Carnival

This year marks the 57th year of the 10-day Brattleboro Winter Carnival! Plenty of things again this year to keep you entertained both inside and outside during the school vacation week. Ski during the day; attend other activities in the evening! There's ice skating, sleigh rides, a Carnival Queen pageant, cross-country skiing, junior Olympics, a variety show, sugar on snow, a figure skating show, a chili cook-off, a children's concert, outdoor fun day, an 80's dance and more!

For those of you who are coming up for the holiday weekend and also for those who will be partaking of the exciting events in Brattleboro during the rest of February, we've teamed up with the Whetstone Station Restaurant to offer you a taste-tempting offer.

First, stop by the gallery and take a look at the fine artistry and craftsmanship of our more than 300 fine artists and artisans. Mention this newsletter and you'll get a coupon for a free family-size appetizer at one of downtown Brattleboro's newest restaurants. (It's only good through Feb. 28!)

The Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery, overlooking the ice-covered Connecticut River, features an unparalleled array of homebrewed, regional micro-brewed and international beers complemented by a unique menu with an emphasis on using local products whenever possible. (See www.whetstonestation.com).

Harris Hill Ski Jump; Close to Downtown!

The Harris Hill Ski Jump, the only Olympic-sized, 90-meter ski jumping hill in New England, will play host to its annual two-day ski jumping event Feb. 16 & 17. This year's event w ill be the only domestic stop in a nine-event International Skiing Federation (FIS) competition schedule, and will also serve as a stop on the United States American Ski Jumping (USASJ) series.

Founded in 1922, the annual jumping competition held on Harris Hill attracts several thousand spectators each year not only to watch local jumpers reach great heights but also to view world renowned jumpers soar in the sport of ski jumping. In 2009, the jump was completely rebuilt in accordance with FIS specifications.

The two major competitions, merged in with the annual Pepsi Challenge and Fred Harris Memorial Tournament, will draw the best male and female ski jumpers from across the globe to Brattleboro, including those fighting to earn a spot on their resp ective 2014 Winter Olympic teams.

Competition each day will start at noon and will conclude by 4 p.m. A family event, Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition weekend includes opening ceremonies, appearances by Jumper the mascot, food and drink vendors, a bonfire and more.

In March, Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery is pleased to host the pottery and sculpture of area high school students during the annual Student Art Month sponsored by the Arts Council of Windham County. It's a great chance to see what our up and coming artisans have been working on. The opening will be on March 1 during the monthly Gallery Walk in Brattleboro.

Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery is open seven days a week with extended hours on Fridays and during the holidays.

Our new web site www.VtArt.com has hundreds of items displayed from paintings of Vermont artists to blown glass and everything in between. All items can be purchased through our ultra secure online store.